So, if you have a rough surface but want a smooth finish, then you might want to sand to start with a smooth surface, but that is up to you and not necessary. This step doesn’t have to be perfect, but you do want the majority of the item to be covered well in the darker base color. Step Number Four | Using your old makeup brush, tap and dab a small squirt of the Rub n Buff onto your item(s). Sometimes you find that near perfect piece – except it’s not in quite the metallic finish that you’d prefer. Since it’s a wax-based product, to give it a more durable finish, you can buff your finished item with a soft cloth.

Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - Rub n Buff Antique AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - Rub n Buff Antique

If you like the more textured look with some of the black base coming through, one coat is probably enough. This step is only required if you want an aged/patina effect, but paint gives the Rub n Buff better adhesion and is a good idea for a slick surface. Makeup brush — Obviously you won’t be using it on your face again, so don’t use your favorite brush! Yes, there are tutorials about taking gold spray paint and adding dabs of black to age it, but that requires a lot of effort, skill, and a place to spray paint! At this point the brush had been sitting overnight with the Rub ‘n Buff dried on (I forgot to wash it out) so it wasn’t going on as smoothly, and even buffing parts of the first layer off.

If you enjoyed this tutorial and you’re looking for more farmhouse inspiration, you can join me over on Pinterest where I have an entire board dedicated to Farmhouse Lighting, and another dedicated to Farmhouse Paints!

How to Antique Brass with Rub n Buff - She Holds Dearly How to Antique Brass with Rub n Buff - She Holds Dearly

I’d stay away from applications that might need to withstand more wear and tear, OR plan on doing some extra steps to prep those items, and finishing with a clear coat or some other protective finish.Rub n Buff also comes with other colors (like turquoise, black and red), but those don’t come as highly recommended as the metallics.

Rub n Buff Gold Comparison and How-to - Jenna Sue Design

If you don’t have any handy, I love this inexpensive brush set and use it for makeup, but the stiffer large brushes will work for this project. Because Rub n Buff goes on in such a thin layer, it isn’t like paint that will show a difference in thickness between the original and the repair. Unlike paint which can look flat (or sometimes flat with sparkles), Rub n Buff creates the true multi-dimensional look of metal.

I knew that antiquing it to a antique brass or “brushed brass” feel would give it a more timeless look – perfect for my home! Do you think it work just as well on something that came in a matte black finish, rather than something spray painted black?

AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - Rub n Buff European

Prep includes scuffing up the surface with fine steel wool or a sanding block, then using a good oil based spray primer. I knew Rub ‘n Buff was the answer, and I was finally able to carve out some time last weekend to make it happen. We’ve lived with them for almost a year and I liked them, but I wasn’t completely in love with the brass finish.It’s the easiest and quickest way to achieve a realistic antique metal finish, and it’s an enjoyable process too! In my case, I’m redoing my guest bedroom and wanted to change out some of the black and bronze colors to a beautiful, antique gold. The application of Rub ‘n Buff is unlike anything I’ve used before (different than paint, wax, or gel) and requires a certain technique to get the aged look just right.